Johnson City

Washington County Helene Recovery Group Stops Taking New Requests Nov. 16 and Closes by Dec. 31

Washington County's Helene recovery group accepts new assistance requests through Nov. 16 and deactivates by Dec. 31, 2026. Plus local election results.

Tracy King

04 Nov 2026 • 6 min read

Illustrative stock photo, not the specific property or project described.

The group that has helped Washington County families rebuild after Hurricane Helene is winding down. Homeowners who still need help have less than two weeks to ask for it.

The Washington County Long Term Recovery Group (WCLTRG) announced this week that it will formally deactivate by Dec. 31, 2026. On its website, the group says it will accept new assistance requests through Monday, Nov. 16, 2026. After that, it will spend December finishing the projects it already has.

The group formed after Helene's flooding hit East Tennessee in September 2024. Its own site gives two descriptions of when it started: the home page says it activated in "late 2024," and its Get Help page says October 2024.

What the group accomplished

According to WJHL, the group brought together community leaders, faith institutions and volunteers to fill financial and physical gaps for households hit by the flood. As of February 2026, it had built 75 homes through partnerships, funded more than 150 individual projects and received $1.6 million in total funding.

SuperTalk 92.9 reported that volunteers helped flood victims with housing repair and replacement, finding available disaster aid and leading projects that brought normalcy back to communities.

Recovery by the numbers

Measure	Figure	As of
Homes built through partnerships	75	February 2026
Individual projects funded	More than 150	February 2026
Total funding received	$1.6 million	February 2026
Last day for new assistance requests	Monday, Nov. 16, 2026	—
Formal deactivation	By Dec. 31, 2026	—

Sources: WJHL; Washington County Long Term Recovery Group.

A busy 2026 before the wind-down

The group stayed active this year. On June 1 it announced an expanded recovery assistance program, starting July 1, 2026, aimed at remaining recovery gaps for people still affected by the flood. In May it took part in dedications for the Bailey Bridge and Jackson Bridge. In September it released a second-quarter progress report covering April through June.

James Hanson, the group's president, discussed its 2025 annual report with WJHL in February.

Dates to know

Monday, Nov. 16, 2026: Last day WCLTRG accepts new assistance requests.
December 2026: The group concludes current assistance projects.
By Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026: Formal deactivation.

To reach the group before the deadline, visit wcltrg.org or call 423-791-0494.

What changes after Dec. 31

The website will stay online for county residents still in recovery. SuperTalk 92.9 also reported that the site will remain active. But the group says it will no longer provide personal case management after it deactivates.

The group's help page describes its process in three steps:

Start: Begin with insurance claims, personal resources and local, state and federal government programs.
Plan: Make a personal recovery plan to restore life to how it was before the disaster.
Lead: Work with community resources to identify unmet needs in your plan and ask for help.

The group only serves Washington County residents. If you are not sure your property is in the county, its help page points you to the Tennessee Property Viewer to look up your address.

How a long-term recovery group helps

Long-term recovery groups step in after first responders and emergency relief leave. The WCLTRG says its job is to coordinate resources and survivors. That can mean sharing key information, hosting events with local resources, helping a family write a recovery plan, and matching people who can give help with people who need it.

The group describes recovery as a cycle. First comes relief, when first responders meet basic needs. Next comes recovery, when organizations bring in resources and specialists may help prepare plans to fix the damage. Last comes restoration, when survivors return to near-normal life and the outside organizations leave the community. The group says it is deactivating after completing its mission.

Every contact with the group goes to its navigator team, a network of volunteers ready to work with residents. The group also offers a printable contact form for anyone who cannot use the online form.

There are limits. The group says it only helps with needs directly tied to the disaster and its impact. Its scope of service lists priorities and limitations so residents can be connected with the agencies that fit their needs.

A quick checklist before Nov. 16

List any repairs from the 2024 flood that are still not finished.
Gather insurance claim letters, aid decisions and contractor estimates.
Confirm your property is in Washington County.
Call 423-791-0494 or use the online or printable form to submit a request.

What this means for homeowners

If you still have open repairs

If your home still has flood damage and you have not asked for help, do it before Nov. 16. After that date, you will need to find other resources on your own. Keep copies of your recovery plan, contractor bids and any assistance letters. Those records matter if you later sell.

If you are thinking about selling a repaired home

Buyers in flood-affected areas ask questions. Clear records of what was repaired, when and by whom can help a sale go smoothly. Ask your agent and attorney what Tennessee requires you to disclose. Flood insurance questions should go to a licensed insurance agent; this article is informational only.

For local pricing, see How much is my Jonesborough home worth in 2026? and What does it cost to sell a house in Jonesborough?. For a recent county decision, read Washington County Tables a Senior Property Tax Freeze for About a Year and Looks at Expanding Tax Relief.

Election results: Johnson City and Jonesborough

Tuesday's election also set new leadership in two Washington County cities.

Johnson City Commission

WJHL reported that Pete Paduch and Dave Adams won the two open seats on the Johnson City Commission from a crowded field. Paduch received 17.21% of the vote and Adams 13.08%. Incumbents Jenny Brock and Whitney Calhoun Goetz were also in the race. Commissioners serve four-year terms.

Jonesborough mayor

WJHL reported that Michael Hartman defeated Brian Ponder to become Jonesborough's next mayor. Hartman follows Mayor Kelly Wolfe, who was appointed after former Mayor Chuck Vest resigned.

New city leaders will shape decisions on zoning, budgets and property taxes. For a recent tax relief item, see Johnson City Approves $129 Local Property Tax Relief for 2026.

Thinking of selling in Johnson City or Jonesborough?

Get a free home valuation to see what your home is worth today. If you want a quick, simple sale, request a cash offer. Our proven system is built to help Tri-Cities homeowners sell with confidence.

When does the Washington County Long Term Recovery Group stop taking requests?

The group will accept new assistance requests through Monday, Nov. 16, 2026. It plans to conclude current projects in December and formally deactivate by Dec. 31, 2026.

How many homes did the Washington County recovery group build after Helene?

As of February 2026, WJHL reported the group had built 75 homes through partnerships, funded more than 150 individual projects and received $1.6 million in total funding.

Will the WCLTRG website stay online?

Yes. The group says its website will remain available to county residents still in recovery, but it will no longer provide personal case management assistance.

How do I contact the Washington County Long Term Recovery Group?

Residents can visit wcltrg.org or call 423-791-0494. The group serves Washington County residents and suggests the Tennessee Property Viewer to confirm your address is in the county.

Who won the Johnson City Commission seats in November 2026?

WJHL reported that Pete Paduch, with 17.21% of the vote, and Dave Adams, with 13.08%, won the two Johnson City Commission seats. Commissioners serve four-year terms.

Source links

More from Kings of Real Estate

Related local news:

Meet our agents — Your Home Sold Guaranteed — Free home valuation — Cash offer — Join our team

Insurance partner — All Seasons Insurance Group and the ASIG blog.